Earlier in the day, Kejriwal, in a tweet, informed Singh that he would be visiting Chandigarh on Wednesday to meet with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss ways to curb stubble burning and bring down air pollution levels.

New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday declined Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's request to discuss the issue of stubble burning, which is believed to be the main cause of acute air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal, in a tweet, informed Singh that he would be visiting Chandigarh on Wednesday to meet with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss ways to curb stubble burning and bring down air pollution levels.

.@capt_amarinder Sir, I am coming to Chandigarh on Wed to meet Haryana CM. Would be grateful if u cud spare sometime to meet me. It is in collective interest

The Punjab CM declined to meet with Kejriwal as he feels that the Delhi CM is trying to shield the failure of his own government, and is trying to divert attention to the issue of stubble burning.

“Kejriwal’s tendency to indulge in petty street politics was well-known,” he said. Citing the recent scuffle between the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi government, Singh accused the AAP leader of diluting the Odd-Even scheme.

Amarinder Singh further explained that the problems faced in Delhi and Punjab are completely different issues, adding that the core problem in Delhi was a result of urban pollution such as vehicular emissions and unplanned industrial belts.

“Kejriwal wanted to waste time holding useless discussions,” he added. The Punjab CM said the Centre is the only entity capable of solving this economic problem. He also promised to communicate with the Centre regarding the matter of providing farmers with tools to avoid stubble burning.

The pollution levels in a cluster of north Indian states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, have witnessed deadly air pollution levels, much of which is due to stubble burning. However, the issue has now become a political slugfest, with a fair share of the blame game going on.

While the Air Quality Index (AQI) – PM2.5 and PM 10 – were recorded lower on Tuesday, it must be noted that that the levels are still exceeding hazardous levels. The NGT on Tuesday rejected the request for exemptions sought by the Delhi government for the implementation of Odd-Even rule in the national capital.

However, Delhi government has filed a new review application against the National Green Tribunal's rejection of exemptions in its Odd-Even scheme.

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